I am Barabbas
Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. ~ Matthew 26:26
This moment in scripture is one of the most vivid and tangible pictures of the gospel message. On that day, Barabbas, a known rebel and criminal, was released, and Jesus, the spotless, sinless Son of God, was condemned. One walked away free, while the other walked toward the cross.
Barabbas was guilty. Everyone knew it. He wasn’t misunderstood or falsely accused. He had committed crimes and was rightfully sentenced. But then, in one shocking turn of events, Jesus took his place. The guilty was set free because the innocent stepped in.
The truth is, I am Barabbas. You are Barabbas. Every one of us has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We deserved the penalty for our sins, yet Jesus took our place. He wasn’t forced. He wasn’t trapped. He chose the cross. He chose you.
This is what 2 Corinthians 5:21 calls “the great exchange”. When Jesus became sin so we could become the righteousness of God in Him. He didn’t just wipe the slate clean; He filled it with His own goodness. He gave us access to a restored relationship with the Father, something we could never earn on our own.
Jesus didn’t just die for you, He died instead of you. And because of His sacrifice, the door is now wide open. You are invited into the presence of God. You can walk in freedom. You don’t have to live under guilt or shame. You don’t have to remain in the prison of your past. Jesus didn’t just save you from something, but He saved you for something.
Sometimes, we know the truth of what Jesus did, but we struggle with how to respond. Here are a few practical ways to step into the life Jesus made possible when He took your place:
1. Receive the Gift of Grace
Barabbas walked away free, his chains broken, his sentence canceled. But the question remains: What did he do with his freedom? Don’t waste the freedom Jesus gave you. Stop trying to earn what’s already been freely given. Accept that you are fully loved, fully forgiven, and fully welcome in God’s presence.
Start here: Say a simple, honest prayer of thanks today. Something like, “Jesus, thank You for taking my place. I receive Your grace and freedom. Help me walk in the life You died to give me.”
2. Walk Through the Open Door
Jesus didn’t just remove your sin, He also removed the barrier between you and God. That means you can come to Him anytime, with anything. He wants you to walk with Him, talk with Him, and rely on Him every single day.
Start here: Begin each day with a few quiet moments. Read a short passage of scripture, like Psalm 23 or John 15, and simply ask God to speak to your heart. Let Him lead you.
3. Leave the Chains Behind
Barabbas had a choice to go back to the life that got him arrested, or he could embrace a new one. The same is true for us. Jesus didn’t just forgive you so you could stay in the same cycle of defeat. He set you free so you could walk in purpose, identity, and peace.
Start here: Identify one area in your life where you’ve felt stuck in guilt or failure. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you break that pattern. Then find someone you trust to encourage you and walk with you as you move forward.
4. Live Like Someone Who Was Rescued
The greatest response to the mercy of Jesus is to live in a way that honors the One who rescued you. Let your life be a living “thank you.” Love people generously. Forgive freely. Serve with joy. Share your story of how Jesus traded places with you.
Start here: Look for one opportunity today to show kindness to someone else, especially someone who doesn’t expect it or even deserve it. Let your life display the love you’ve received.
You were Barabbas, guilty, broken, undeserving, and Jesus took your place. He didn’t just free you from punishment; He invited you into life, hope, and purpose.
So now the question is: What will you do with your freedom?
Today I want to encourage you to walk boldly through the door Jesus opened for you. Let His sacrifice not just touch your heart but transform your life. Keep your eyes on Him, stay close to His presence, and allow His love to lead you into the fullness of all He planned for you, even before the world began. He chose you. He traded places with you. Now walk in the freedom He died to give you.
As you read this passage, picture yourself in the crowd. Imagine hearing your name called to be set free while Jesus is led away. Feel the weight of that exchange and let it stir your heart to live differently, love more deeply, and walk fully in the grace that saved you.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 27:11-26
11 Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.”
12 And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing.
13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?”
14 But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished.
16 And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas.
17 Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?”
18 For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy.
19 While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.”
20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!”
22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!”
23 Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”
24 When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.”
25 And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.”
26 Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified.
The Daily Dose 